Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-07-15

ROAD TRACKS FROM FuBLIC PARKS RECOMMENDED
OVERHEAD WIRES SHOULD BIZ RKMovRD-AN ELEC-
TRIC-uGHT TOWER In THE WHITE LoT-FINANCIAI-
Col Wilson, Commissioner OF Public Buildings
and Grounds, In his annual report to the Chief OF
Engineers, shows that during the past fiscal year
there was expended in improvement and care OF
public grounds the sum OF $63 922 05; repairs,
fuel, &C., Executive Mansion, SIS, ,e969S; lighting,
&C, Executive Mansion, $13,629.47.
THE NATIONAL DRILL.
He states that no material damage was done to
the ellipse in the rear OF the Executive Mansion
by the National Drill, and anticipates that by
early autumn the grass on the ellipse will be in
good condition before the drill. On this subject
he says: sit was believed that the drill would be
national affair, would advance the interests OF
use OF the grounds for this purpose was therefore
eminently proper. 1t will be well, however. In my
opinion to select some other section OF the city for
to repeat the afIair. or in case 1t may be deemed
pest by the proper authorities to grant similar
privilege II should be coupled with the proviso
ellipSe, and that no structure OF any kind be
erected upon it" No money has been expended In
repairs incident to the drill
THE GREENHOUSES.
Extensive repairs were made to the greenhouses
during the year. Several of them were rebuilt,
and additions to some were constructed. The Com
missioner states that he has been obliged by law
10 decline all the numerous requests Tor the loan
OF plants from the public gardens for the use OF
churches, fairs festivals, &C. This year the num-
ber Of plants propagated is 100000, much larger
than 1t has ever been before.
SUNDAY CONCERTS.
He heartily approves OF the plan Of holding con-
certs in the public parks on Sunday.
1t is urged that special appropriation be made
for completing the mound in Arnory Square,
around the Pennsylvania Depot, and planting IL
with trees, and for the construction OF an asphalt
walk along the side OF the main road between Sd
and seventh streets.
MARION SQUARE
1t is recommended that the park on South Caro-
lima avenue, between 4th and 9Th Streets contain
ing 1884 square feet, be known hereafter as
Marion Park
The Commissioner says that much trouble has
been experienced in protecting the fower-beds in
the public parks. Plants and herbs have been
frequently pulled up by the roots Much annoy
ance has also been caused by chickens running at
large and destroying lawns and fower-bedS.
further appropriation OF $4,000 Will be re-
Quired to complete Garfield Park.
REMOVAL OF RAILROAD TRACKS FROM PARKS RECON-
MENDED.
The Commissioner renews his Recommendation
for an appropriation Of 5000 to improve the
reservation south Of the Smithsonian grounds
now used by the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad
CO. He thinks that the tracks should be at once
that the company has not legal right to the occu-
pancy OF the park.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS FOR THE WHITE LOT.
It is recommended that tower about 15O feet
high be erected in the center of the White Lot
ellipse, from the top OF which shall be shown six
arc lamps Of 2,OOO-candle power each, the tower
to be OF the pest lap welded tubing with malleable
iron fittings and diagonal brace rods at cost OF
$3.50. The cost OF Illumination from dusk each
evening until morning would be not more than
81. .533 per annum.
it is recommended that an appropriation be
made to provide asphalt pavenents for Judiciary
square.
UNDERGROUND WIRES.
Col Wilson again recommends that an appro-
priation be made to remove the entire system Of
overhead wires and replace it with a duplicate
underground cable. The cost will be $500. To
replace the present short poles with poles 55 feet
long, 50 a6 TO carry the wires for the present over
the tops OF the trees VIII cost 81, 900. Col. Wilson
thinks II the Government takes the initiative in
removing the wires private corporations can be
induced to follow its example.
The damage done the park trees by caterpillars
Is reported to be slight by reason OF early meas
ures to destroy the webs.
RsTDa TIES FOR NEXT YEAR.
Among his estimates for next year Col Wilson
recommends that the salaries Of several of his sub
ordinares be increased; that an appropriation Of
$25, 900 for the Executive Mansion be made as alb
sOlutely necessary to keep the mansion in habita-
bic condition. and that an appropriation be made
for asphalt pavements to be laid In Washington
Circle, Franklin Square, Mount Vernon Square,
Executive Mansion grounds, Lincoln, Stanton,
Farragut Square and Iowa Circle.